PINTO, LaVerne

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ June 5, 2008 LaVerne Brinkerhoff Pinto passed on to the Lord on June 1, 2008, in a residence care home in San Antonio, Texas. She was born April 10, 1918, in Woodruff, the second child of Levi and Rhoda Brinkerhoff. On June 2, 1936, she married William A. Pinto. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary before his passing in 2002. LaVerne, Bill and their family transferred to Brownwood, Texas, from Winslow in 1951. Where, upon his retirement, they enjoyed traveling. They visited most of the 48 states and Canada, Mexico and Europe. They lived in Houston, Texas, Sandia Park, N.M., and Mesa before settling down in their last years in Spring Branch, Texas. LaVerne was busy enjoying her handicrafts; which included ceramics, quilting, sewing and gardening. She loved camping, fishing and watching Little League ball games. LaVerne had a real zest for life, which was often shown with her quick and fun sense of humor. She was strong in her church and her beliefs and set a great example for her family. She loved her family and was an inspiration and guiding light for them all. Her family was her pride and her strength. She was happiest when she could help all them all. Her family was her pride and her strength. She was happiest when she could help all of them with any of their projects. The love she had for them held the family together. LaVerne was a very loving and strong lady. She was a great mom, grandma ("oma") and sister. Her family will all miss her deeply. They know she is now with her first and most true love, "our dad." She was always proud of her family and they are even more proud to have had her as their mom and oma. May God Bless her. She is survived by five sons, William, (Juanita) of Santa Anna, Texas, Kenneth (Carol) of Eagle, Idaho, Robert (Betsy) of Spring Branch, Texas, James (Shona) of Gilmer, Texas, and Brian (Ginny) of Magnolia, Texas; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Irene Arnold of Ketchum, Okla., and Carma King of Queen Creek; as well as many loving nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, son Donald, her parents, four sisters and three brothers. Contributions may be given to the Boy Scouts of America or to your favorite charity in memory of LaVerne Pinto. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, June 7, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Woodruff Chapel, Woodruff, with a visitation one hour prior to the services. Interment will be at the Woodruff Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign our online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.